posted
I'm taking Zithromax/Ceftin ABx and was wondering if anyone here pulsed a few days each week?
I just feel like I need a couple of days to rest from all the herxing? I've even cut the dosage in half because I'm a small person. I will ask at my next appointment but wanted to know if anyone here has done this successfully.
There is no harm in taking a couple of days off when you are herxing badly. I did it many times! As treatment progresses, these herxes lessen in intensity and become tolerable.
If you are reluctant to do this, I would call your doctor for his advice. That's what you pay him for:)
Good luck....nan:)
-------------------- nan Posts: 2135 | From Tick Country | Registered: Oct 2000
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NP40
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6711
posted
Sandy, zith stays in your system for several days anyhow, so the pulsing won't hurt your treatment. Are you taking a good probiotic at least 2 hours before or after you take your abx ?
Posts: 1632 | From Northern Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
Thanks Melanie, I feel like I can actually see a little light at the end of the tunnel. The depression that comes with the ABx takes some getting used too.
I appreciate your response ~~~ Sandy
Posts: 686 | From Northeast Georgia | Registered: Sep 2005
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My husband has been "tinkering" with his protocol until we can get to an LLMD. He is alternating Cipro, Biaxin, and Doxycycline. He is taking them three days on, and three days off. Is there any magic number to the days on and days off? And is it usually recommended to go off for a week every three weeks? He is taking the probotics, cat's claw and coloidal silver. Can't really say that we know what herxing is; he just feels crumby most of the time and suffers from extreme fatigue.
Since it is taking us months to get in with an LLMD, we are hoping that he is doing the right thing until we can get there. Any suggestions?
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Oh Gosh Nancy,
It is so difficult to say what is the best way to do that. We are all so unique in our responses to treatment, that what works well for me, may not do anything for another...OR, may be a really bad choice for another. This is why it is not a good idea to self-medicate.
But, I do see your dilemma.
There are at least 2 schools of thought on pulsing. One theory is that pulsing may cause the body to become resistant to ABX, so this method should be avoided. This school usually thinks that a `cidal' level of meds should be maintained in order to keep killing at all times.
The other theory is that with certain meds, a proper `cidal' level can be used for the most part, but pulsing allows for a brief `static' level when off.
In other words...kill 5 days...hold at bay for 2. As opposed to kill for 7 days.
All protocols should be monitored closely by your LLMD.
Now, having said that...if it were me in your position, I think I would not pulse. I think I would take a steady dose of recommended meds to keep up the `cidal' levels until I had a good plan in place with a good LLMD. Being VERY careful to not overdue, and knowing that if things got too intense, I could back off.
Remember, some docs start patients out at low levels of meds to monitor their responses before increasing dosages. This is a very wise approach, and should be considered by you until you can get in with a good doc.
Also, by taking so many different things and alternating them too, he is really not going to be able to find out what exactly is helping and what may be contributing to the overall cruddy feeling.
Personally, I think `tinkering' should be left to those who have been at this awhile, and have a great understanding of meds and of how their body responds to meds.
Hoping this made sense...I'm a bit tired. Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Yes, Melanie, what you said does make sense. The doctor who diagnosed Bruce and prescribed the antibiotics is very caring, but gave us little guidance, unfortunately. That is why we are seeking an LLMD. Bruce has done little more than increase the dosage on a couple of the anitbiotics as a result of reading Dr. Burrascano's guidelines. Hopefully we will get into an LLMD soon and get some better information. Until then we will leave things alone and wait for better advice.
Thanks so much for caring - Nancy
Posts: 119 | From Southwest Florida | Registered: Sep 2005
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
All the best to you and Bruce, Nancy. He is most fortunate to have such a loving advocate!
Sandy, yes- sometimes depression comes with the meds, the disease, and from dealing with chronic illness. A tuff battle for sure. If it does get overwhelming- be certain to seek help, OK?
I am pleased that light is breaking through for you- hold on to that, and you will do fine. I am reminded of a Maya Angelo poem, which went something like this:
``Hope and despair cannot occupy the same place. Invite one to stay.''
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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